The last blog I wrote was about Will Smith taking a swing at Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. What year was that? Feels like ancient history, considering all that is happening in the world. In our heads. And hearts.
Well I’ve missed writing and connecting with you. The “music thing” has kind of taken over my life and this worker-bee loves to work.
I still do one gig a week, teaching beginning ukulele at a local retirement community. Our enthusiastic little band of strummers scat on Route 66 and go all country with Jambalaya. This is my Friday reminder, up close and personal, how music heals us. One strum at a time. Here and then gone.
The CC Strummers are busy and growing. It’s thrilling that our players, both local and totally not local, are forming their own groups, performing and teaching the stuff we learn in our Zoom classes. A few of them tell me they hear “my voice” in their head. Quick, call a shrink! But I hear the voices of my teachers too. Long gone, they are. Flawed, wonderful human beings who changed my life and didn’t always give me the best advice.
What a kaleidoscope of contradictions, this teaching business. I make mistakes. We all do. I don’t always get it right the first time. Do you? I change my mind and frequently ask “what do YOU think?” because I trust that we draw inspiration from the same well. We may scoop with different buckets and what happens next? Who knows… But aren’t we all students? And teachers? Elders? Elders-to-be?
The CC Strummers had an eventful November…The weather is supposed to be “breezy” but halfway through our last show of the year at The WLA Farmers’ Market, the wind suddenly whips up and sends various objects flying through the air including our song sheets, music stands, chairs, hats. But we soldier on and laugh through it. Maybe if this wind storm had been a tornado I would have yelled “RUN!” But shows can be about the ways we endure, too. It feels like we’re the band on the Titanic. We know how this is going to end, but we keep playing anyway. Because that’s what musicians do. Click here to watch.
And would you believe I’m recording again?
Over the years I’ve written several instrumentals on the ukulele with pretty melodies you can actually hum. But I’ve also had to “practice, practice, practice” as if I REALLY AM going to play at Carnegie Hall. Well MY Carnegie Hall is the spare room at my producer’s house. Together we’ve been working on my album, Looking Glass, for months. Soon my graphic artist will assemble the “gift wrapping” and while that’s happening, I’m preparing easier arrangements and video tutorials so YOU can learn to play these songs too. I’ll keep you in the loop as things progress. Please Click Here to watch.
Friday evening is date night with my sweet husband. There are meet-and-greets with friends, trips to Trader Joe’s because, when it comes to meal preparation, I need all the help I can get.
Don’t laugh but this schedule is my idea of “cutting back” after I had a heart attack in the middle of the pandemic. Life is messy and complicated. When there is so much suffering and s-c-a-r-y in the world, it can be a slippery slope into the land of despair, but I’m so grateful that WE, you and me, are still here.
I send weekly newsy emails with class materials specifically to The CC Strummers. But when I send a blog, it goes to everyone on my master list…which means a lot of you haven’t heard from me for quite a while and may have thought I ran off to join the circus…
Please know I’ve missed this connection and hearing from you. I’ve missed the “ahh” feeling I get being part of our shared online ohana.
But if you would like to join The CC Strummers’ elist and receive my weekly missives (or unsubscribe), please email me. Our Zoom classes are on holiday break and will resume the second week in January, 2024.
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“After all that we’ve been through in the world, I feel like we all want a place to be safe and connected to other human beings. Everyone has a thirst for community.” Beyonce.
From “Beyonce. Amen” by Michael Eric Dyson from The New York Times, December 3, 2023.
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So here we are, on the cusp of the unknown…also called THE NEW YEAR! I’m girding myself for a BUMPY ride in 2024 and leaning into our community, and leaning into music, to uplift, reassure, embrace us in the fullness of this moment. May we flourish. May we endure. And may we strum happy…
Cali Rose
From Anonymous:
It was so special to read your blog. I’ve missed it. Listened to “Pony Ride”. It’s lovely. D.
Cali Rose
Thank you SO much!
Cali Rose
From Anonymous:
Your blog is back and how happy that makes me!! I’ve so missed your voice! I am quite ridiculously happy, actually! Yes, we’re facing a momentous year and it is really GREAT to know you are not just there but actively speaking up. Play on, my friend!! It’s been far too long!! ❤️❤️❤️ A.
Cali Rose
Oh thank you dear one. May we all keep smiling through the Opera of 2024!
Cali Rose
Anonymous:
You’ve been missed. It was so very good to see your blog back in my inbox! Your thoughtfulness and creativity shine brightly through them and I hope you’ve “resolved” to continue in 2024 as the mood strikes.
I LOVE hearing you acknowledge that we are on the cusp of the unknown. And not just on New Year’s Day… B.
Cali Rose
Yeah writing is therapy for me and like almost everyone, I need all the help I can get. And I want to be honest about the sense of impending doom that is hanging in the air we breathe. I kind of think we are experiencing a collective trauma and it sure helps to just make music.
All the best to you and your whole family in the midst of the joys and challenges that meet us along the way.
Cali Rose
From Anonymous:
I just have to tell you I love the number you played in the video. Very upbeat, very light & happy, very you. And now I must tell you – I have fallen in love. but I don’t know his/her name – -I took one look and there went my heart – so tell me – – – who is the adorable dog? L.
Cali Rose
Loki is melting a lot of hearts, including mine. Being around her is like a big “ah.” She has been there for Ian as he scores music for movies (a lot happens remotely). I think it’s her “happy place,” although she gets nervous when there is a flying bug in the room but that’s a whole other story…
Cali Rose
From Anonymous:
I love the fact that I know you, and consider you one of my special friends…
I read your blog. You have lots going on. I am also volunteer teach at a senior center here in Laguna Woods, and go to three other local groups. One group is in the emissary program at Saddleback College. There are a lot of exceptionally good musicians in that class. Another group is in Mission Viejo. Almost 100 folks in that group. Anyway, it all keeps me busy, so that is a good thing. Be well!!! K.
Cali Rose
You are a dear and your four (FOUR!!!) groups are lucky to have you in their midst. Aloha Spirit, you are. Thank you!
Cali Rose
From Anonymous:
I watched your recording video from your blog. If 10 was the highest rating, I would give you a 20. Your instrumental music playing is a HIT, HIT, HIT. You are so very talented. D.
Cali Rose
Loki, The Therapy Dog, certainly helps. Thanks so much for watching.
Cali Rose
From Anonymous:
I always enjoy your blogs and this new one was most interesting. I was particularly interested in your comments about teaching. You may not remember , but you inspired me to start a ukulele class at my senior center here in Park Ridge, iL over 10 years ago. My group, the Uketones , has grown over the years. Our most recent concert, a Holiday program and audience sing along, included over 20 members. Several of the pieces were led by individuals in the group.
I have a “special” group – ukulele ensemble – which meets separately and plays instrumental arrangements in 2 or 3 parts. Some of them get together at each other’s homes to continue practicing.
I agree with you that teaching can be challenging, but so rewarding and my work with these people has been just that! Thanks for being my. inspiration! P.
Cali Rose
This makes me so happy. That you are creating and sustaining a community of musicians who enjoy playing together AND learning new stuff. Inspiring indeed and brava!
Bobbie Hasselbring
Wonderful post, Cali. Welcome back to your blog. I always enjoy reading your words. Indeed, it’s a strange time. I just read “Boys in the Boat” (highly recommend it), which takes place in the 1930s, and I suspect our world is in a similarly crazy place. Hopefully, it doesn’t result in yet another WW. Like you, I am committed to making more music in 2024 and enjoying my friends even more. I include you among them, dear one. Hope you and Craig have a wonderful 2024. Anne and I are looking forward to tacos with you in September.
Cali Rose
Thank you Bobbie and Anne. Ah music and good friends…